11.11.11 et al vs. George Forrest International SA

Allegations

In October 2002, a United Nations Panel of Experts accused 85 OECD-based companies of violating the Guidelines for their direct or indirect roles in the illegal exploitation of natural resources in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The Panel alleged that “elite networks” of political and military elites and businesspersons fueled the conflict in order to retain their control over the country’s vast natural resources. In November, 2004, a group of Belgian NGOs filed a complaint against George Forrest International SA, Cogecom, Nami Gems and Belgolaise Bank.

Relevant OECD Guidelines

• Version 2000 Chapter II
• Version 2000 Chapter II Paragraph II.1
• Version 2000 Chapter II Paragraph II.11
• Version 2000 Chapter II Paragraph II.2
• Version 2000 Chapter II Paragraph II.3
• Version 2000 Chapter II Paragraph II.4
• Version 2000 Chapter II Paragraph II.6
• Version 2000 Chapter II Paragraph II.7
• Version 2000 Chapter III
• Version 2000 Chapter III Paragraph III.1
• Version 2000 Chapter III Paragraph III.2
• Version 2000 Chapter III Paragraph III.4 Subparagraph III.4.A
• Version 2000 Chapter III Paragraph III.4 Subparagraph III.4.C
• Version 2000 Chapter III Paragraph III.4 Subparagraph III.4.D
• Version 2000 Chapter III Paragraph III.4 Subparagraph III.4.G
• Version 2000 Chapter III Paragraph III.5 Subparagraph III.5.A
• Version 2000 Chapter III Paragraph III.5 Subparagraph III.5.B
• Version 2000 Chapter III Paragraph III.5 Subparagraph III.5.C
• Version 2000 Chapter IV
• Version 2000 Chapter IV Paragraph IV.4 Subparagraph IV.4.B
• Version 2000 Chapter IX
• Version 2000 Chapter IX Paragraph IX.2
• Version 2000 Chapter V
• Version 2000 Chapter V Paragraph V.1 Subparagraph V.1.A
• Version 2000 Chapter V Paragraph V.1 Subparagraph V.1.B
• Version 2000 Chapter V Paragraph V.1 Subparagraph V.1.C
• Version 2000 Chapter V Paragraph V.2 Subparagraph V.2.B
• Version 2000 Chapter V Paragraph V.3
• Version 2000 Chapter V Paragraph V.7

Outcome

The NCP issued a statement that the Guidelines were respected “within the matter of possibility”. In the statement, the NCP also called for more transparency from GFI.

More details

Related complaints

• 11.11.11 et al vs. Cogecom
• 11.11.11 et al vs. Nami Gems
• 11.11.11 et al vs. Belgolaise

Documents

• statement

  5 November 2005

  The NCP issued a statement that the OECD Guidelines are respected “within the matter of possibility”. In the statement, the NCP also demanded more transparency from Forrest.

  NCP Belgium
• press release

  5 November 2005

  The complainants, unhappy with the NCP's statement, responded in a press release.

  Wereldmediahuis vzw
• file

  24 November 2004

  A group of 15 Belgian NGOs filed a complaint at the Belgian NCP against George Forrest for its involvement in the GTL-STL joint venture in the DRC.

  Wereldmediahuis vzw